Continuous rain puts Pune's low lying areas on high alert as water released from Khadakwasla dam

Low-lying areas of Pune are on alert after the irrigation department released water into Mutha river at the rate of 18,491 cusecs even as the catchment areas of the dams providing water to Pune witnessed continuous rain on Monday.

The riverside roads and low-lying Baba Bhide bridge have been already submerged due to the rains. The civic administration has now issued an alert to those living in these areas. 

 Pune city and adjoining areas have witnessed continuous rain since Saturday night, which resulted in increasing the water level in the four dams Khadakwasla, Panshet, Varasgaon and Temghar. In fact, on Monday, the Khadakwasla dam filled to its capacity and the irrigation department had to release the water at the rate of 3,500 cusecs in the morning. However, as the downpour continued throughout the day, the water release had to be increased at the rate of 18,000 cusecs in the evening.

Speaking to DNA, irrigation department officials said, "On Monday, the total water storage in these four dams has gone to 18.50% due to the heavy rain in the catchment areas. Last year on the same day, the total water storage of these dams was 12.35 TMC."

It is a good sign for the city as these dams are now filled to 63.46% of their total capacity but the continuous rain has also kept the civic administration on its toes to make sure no untoward incident takes place due to the increase in the level of otherwise dormant Mutha river.

Senior officials from disaster management cell of Pune Municipal Corporation said, "As of now, there is no panic situation in the city. If the water release goes at the rate of 23,000 cusecs, then only the flood like situation will arise. However, as a part of precautionary measures, we have issued alert for the citizens staying in low lying areas."

"We have asked them not to venture anywhere near the riverbed as it can be dangerous if water release is increased. The authorities are trying to keep the water release below 20,000 cusecs so that the river water will not enter into the residential areas," the officials said.

Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department has predicted continuous rainfall even on Tuesday.